I am a frequent traveller in indian rail. Once in a month or sometimes
twice in a month. I am adding some more information in it.
Now LHB racks have been introduced in indian rail. LHB racks have 80
births in sleeper and AC3 economy coaches. Sleeper coaches are
designated as s1, s2, s3 and so on. AC3 economy coaches are designated
as m1, m2, m3, so on. LHB AC3 coaches have 72 births in it and they are
designated as b1, b2, b3 so on. LHB second AC coaches usually have 52
births and in some cases it extend up to 54 births and AC2 coaches are
designated as a1, a2, a3 so on. AC first class coaches are designated as
h1. some coaches are divided in AC1 and AC2 and designated as HA1. in
these coaches 20 births alocated for AC2 class.
It is easy to locate your seat if you can remember a table of 8 for AC#,
3E and sleeper coaches and table of 6 for 2A coaches. still it is very
difficult for me to locate my seat in AC chair car and second seeting 2s
classes.
I advise don't move for viklang dabba for short journeys around 200 KMs,
instead get a sleeper reserve ticket if it is preplanned.. I usually
prefer side lower in AC3 and sleeper class and upper birth in Second AC.
In the lighter note I have tested all the flavours of indian railways
from without ticket journey to AC first class! It is based on experience.
regards
bhawani
On 4/19/2025 6:19 PM, Aishwarya Pillai wrote:
Hi all,
Over the past 3 to 4 years, I’ve become pretty good at traveling solo
— flights, buses, trains, you name it. Between airports, bus stations,
and railway platforms, I’ve had my fair share of interesting stories.
Flights and buses are relatively easier — airports have ground staff
to assist, and with buses, you can just hop in an Uber and reach the
stop. But when it comes to **trains**, it’s a different ball game
altogether.
From chatting with other visually impaired folks, I've realized train
travel tends to be the most challenging. So I thought, why not share a
few things I’ve picked up along the way? If you’re planning your first
solo train trip, this one’s for you.
Ticketing Woes (and Work-arounds)
Booking on IRCTC isn’t exactly a joyride — especially if you use a
screen reader. But once you somehow manage to get your ticket booked,
you’re halfway there. Just make sure to screenshot or save the PNR,
coach, and seat details somewhere easily accessible.
What to Pack (Besides the Obvious)
You’ll obviously pack your clothes, charger, toothbrush and all that,
but here are a few extra things I never travel without:
- Wet wipes and sanitizer – Because hygiene in Indian trains is a gamble.
- Pepper spray and a whistle – I carry them just in case. Haven’t had
to use them, thankfully.
- Sling bag – Super handy. You don’t have to hold it in your hand,
just wear it across and forget about it.
- Haversack or trolley – I prefer a haversack; hands-free and easier
to manage. But if you must take a trolley, just make sure it’s not one
of those with squeaky wheels and a rebellious attitude.
- Power bank – Cannot stress this enough. Between using the Where’s My
Train app, screen readers, and calling for help if needed, your
phone’s battery will feel like it’s running a marathon. A good power
bank = peace of mind.
Assistive Tech I Swear By
White cane– Absolute must if you’re fully blind. It gives you a sense
of direction and makes people around you more aware too.
- Where’s My Train app – Surprisingly accessible and super useful. It
tells you where your train is, how late it’s running, and how far the
next station is. I keep checking it to stay on track (pun intended).
- AI description apps – If you’re trying to figure out your
surroundings, use apps like Seeing AI or Be My Eyes.
Getting on the Train: My 3 Methods
1. Family/friend drop-off – Easiest and safest. They walk you right to
your coach and make sure you’re settled.
2. Buggy service – Every station usually has one. Call them a day in
advance and they’ll pick you up from the entrance and drop you at your
coach. But fair warning — this service is like a moody cat. Sometimes
it shows up, sometimes it ghosts you.
3. Porter service – Works well too. They’ll guide you to the coach and
help with luggage. If you like a particular porter, save their number
for future journeys. I usually avoid this if I’m arriving late at
night though.
On the Train: Some Math and Mapping
Let’s say your seat is No. 40 in 3AC.
Each 3AC coach has 8 berths per compartment. That means your seat is
probably in the 5th compartment (side upper). In 2AC, it’ll be in the
6th. It helps to mentally map the layout.
Moving around? Count the compartments as you walk to the washroom or
basin. If you’re in the 5th, you’ll need to cross 4 to get to the
pantry or door area. Also, pro tips:
- Trash bins are usually under the wash basin.
- Indian toilets are often to the left, western ones to the right.
- Try to finish dinner and use the washroom before everyone’s asleep —
nobody likes being the midnight ninja trying to climb down from a side
upper.
Reaching Your Destination
Keep an eye (well, ear) on the Where’s My Train app. When it shows
your destination is about 2 km away, that’s your cue.
Grab your bag, double check you’ve got everything (don’t forget your
phone!), and wait.
When the train stops, the platform side is usually where the sound is
louder and people are getting down. You’ll pick it up with a little
experience.
To exit, same options again — family or friend, buggy service (if
available), or porter.
Final Thoughts
The first two train journeys can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there.
But once you figure out the rhythm, it gets easier. You start building
confidence, planning better, and actually enjoying the journey.
And hey — if you’ve had your own train travel experiences as a
visually impaired person, or have tips that helped you, please do
share. The more we talk about it, the more we learn from each other.
Wishing you happy and safe journeys. May your phone never die and your
seat always be away from the toilet.
With regards,
Aishwarya
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